12-Day Meme Pokhari Trek

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will greet you and provide a private transfer to your comfortable hotel in the heart of the capital. After completing check-in formalities, you can rest and recover from your journey.

In the evening, you’ll meet your trekking guide who will provide a briefing about the upcoming adventure, review your trekking equipment, and answer any questions you may have about the journey ahead.

Today is dedicated to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, immersing yourself in Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage. You’ll visit the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Next, you’ll explore the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its historic palaces, courtyards, and the living goddess Kumari’s residence. The tour continues to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple complex situated along the holy Bagmati River, where you may witness cremation ceremonies. Finally, you’ll visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world and an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, where you can observe monks performing prayer rituals and spinning prayer wheels.

Early in the morning, you’ll embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. The journey offers stunning views of terraced fields, traditional villages, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. After a brief rest and lunch in Besisahar, you’ll continue your drive toward Hile Taksar, the starting point of your trek.

The road becomes gradually rougher as you ascend into the foothills, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and charming Gurung villages. Upon arrival in Hile Taksar, you’ll set up camp at your first campsite and enjoy a warm dinner prepared by your trekking crew while gazing at the starlit sky.

Your trekking adventure officially begins today as you ascend from Hile Taksar toward Khuproo Kharka. The trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, bamboo groves, and traditional villages where you’ll encounter friendly locals going about their daily agricultural activities. As you climb higher, the vegetation gradually changes, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

The terrain becomes more challenging, requiring steady footing on rocky paths and occasional stream crossings. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Khuproo Kharka, a beautiful high-altitude pasture area used for grazing yaks and sheep. Here, you’ll set up camp and enjoy a well-deserved rest, watching the sunset paint the mountain peaks in golden hues.

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the pristine wilderness toward Phale Pokhari. The trail ascends gradually through dense forests filled with the melody of birdsong and the occasional sighting of wildlife such as langur monkeys and colorful pheasants. As you approach the alpine zone, the forest opens up to reveal expansive meadows carpeted with wildflowers during the spring and summer months. The path follows ancient yak herding routes that have been used by local communities for generations.

After several hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Phale Pokhari, a serene mountain lake surrounded by pine forests and towering peaks. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect. You’ll camp near the lakeshore, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps taking a refreshing dip if weather permits.

Leaving the beautiful Phale Pokhari behind, you’ll continue your ascent toward Maiju. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you gain altitude, requiring a steady pace and frequent hydration breaks. As you climb higher, the air becomes thinner and the vegetation transitions to hardy alpine shrubs and grasses. The panoramic views become increasingly spectacular, with glimpses of distant snow-capped peaks appearing through the mountain mists.

Along the way, you’ll pass through small settlements where herders temporarily reside during the grazing season. After a challenging but rewarding trek, you’ll reach Maiju, a high-altitude camping spot offering unobstructed views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Your trekking crew will prepare a nourishing meal to replenish your energy stores for the journey ahead.

Today’s trek takes you to the crown jewel of this adventure – Meme Pokhari, a sacred alpine lake nestled at high altitude. The trail from Maiju to Meme Pokhari is both scenic and demanding, as you navigate rocky terrain and cross high mountain passes. The journey offers ever-changing landscapes, from barren ridges to lush valleys, all while the majestic Himalayan peaks loom in the distance. As you approach Meme Pokhari, the trail descends into a hidden valley where the lake lies cradled by mountains on all sides.

According to local legend, the lake holds spiritual significance, and many pilgrims visit this sacred site to offer prayers and seek blessings. Upon arrival, you’ll set up camp with stunning views of the emerald-green lake. The evening can be spent exploring the shoreline, meditating by the water’s edge, or simply soaking in the pristine beauty of this remote paradise.

Today is reserved for rest and exploration around the sacred Meme Pokhari. After days of challenging trekking, this day allows your body to acclimatize to the high altitude while you explore the surrounding area at a leisurely pace. You may choose to take a short hike to a nearby viewpoint for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, or simply relax at the campsite and enjoy the tranquility of this remote location.

For those interested in photography, this day offers excellent opportunities to capture the lake’s changing moods as light shifts throughout the day. Your guide can lead you on nature walks to identify local flora and fauna, or share stories about the spiritual significance of the lake in local folklore. In the evening, you can gather around the campfire, share stories with fellow trekkers, and reflect on the journey so far.

After a peaceful night at Meme Pokhari, you’ll begin your descent back toward Maiju. While descending may seem easier than ascending, it requires careful footing to avoid straining your knees and ankles. The familiar trail now reveals different perspectives as you retrace your steps, with new views opening up that you may have missed during the ascent.

You’ll have more time to appreciate the details of the landscape – the intricate patterns on mountain wildflowers, the melodious calls of Himalayan birds, and the distant smoke rising from village hearths. Upon reaching Maiju, you’ll set up camp once again, but this time with a sense of accomplishment as you’ve completed the most challenging part of the trek. The evening provides an opportunity to celebrate your achievement with your trekking crew and fellow adventurers.

Today’s trek takes you from Maiju to another beautiful mountain lake – Baraha Pokhari. The trail initially descends through rhododendron forests before ascending again toward your destination. As you approach Baraha Pokhari, the terrain opens up to reveal sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Baraha Pokhari holds its own cultural significance, with local legends attributing healing properties to its waters.

Unlike the more remote Meme Pokhari, this area may have more signs of human presence, including small herder’s huts and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore the area around the lake, visit local shrines, and interact with any herders or pilgrims you may encounter. The campsite at Baraha Pokhari offers another peaceful evening in the mountains, with the sounds of nature providing a soothing backdrop to your sleep.

Today marks the final day of trekking as you make your way from Baraha Pokhari back to Taksar. The trail descends steadily through changing vegetation zones, from alpine meadows to temperate forests and finally to subtropical landscapes. As you lose altitude, the air becomes warmer and richer with oxygen, making breathing easier. You’ll pass through villages where life continues much as it has for centuries, with farmers tending to their fields and children playing along the trails.

This is an excellent opportunity to observe rural Nepali life and perhaps purchase handmade crafts or local produce from villagers you encounter along the way. Upon reaching Taksar, you’ll have completed the trekking portion of your journey. Your trekking crew will prepare a celebratory farewell dinner, and you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible experiences and friendships formed during your mountain adventure.

Your journey concludes today as you travel from Taksar back to Besisahar by road, and then continue your drive to Kathmandu. The morning drive through the mountain roads offers a last chance to admire the landscapes that have been your home for the past two weeks. In Besisahar, you’ll have a brief stop for lunch and to bid farewell to your trekking guide and support staff who have become like family.

The onward journey to Kathmandu retraces your initial route, but with new appreciation for the mountains you’ve now explored. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy a hot shower and comfortable bed after your wilderness adventure. The evening is free for last-minute souvenir shopping, celebrating with a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, or simply resting before your departure flight the next day.